In the National Football League, the general manager or GM of a team typically controls player transactions and bears the primary responsibility on behalf of the team during contract discussions with players.
The general manager is also normally the person who hires and fires the coaching staff, including the head coach.
The general manager will in many cases have oversight of the entire football department, typically reporting to the team president and/or owner. However, some teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles have the GM act in advisory role with the head coach having oversight of the football operations (including the GM). Bill Belichick of New England, Andy Reid of Philadelphia and Mike Shanahan of Washington have the title or powers of general manager, thus having the final say in football matters.
Some teams do not have official general managers instead the team will have a de facto GM. Similar positions include President of Football Operations.